After exploring the Gospels and discovering Jesus as a “gentle Savior” in his interactions with women, we follow Jesus to the region of Tyre where he speaks with a Gentile (“Syrophoenician” or “Canaanite”) woman. On first reading our whole case goes out the window. What is it with this whole […]
Single and Happy
This week the Wall Street Journal published an article called “Mastering the Art of Being Single,” which reminded me of the following article I originally posted back in 2012. I’ve updated a few sections. Since 2012 the number of single adults in the U.S. has nearly equaled the number of married […]
Jesus and Protecting Women against Violence
As I learn about all the ways women around the globe are oppressed, exploited and abused, I can’t help but wonder what is wrong with humanity and how do we stop it? One key step, at least where Christianity has influence, is looking at how Jesus treated and taught about […]
Expect the Unexpected
As we enter these next couple of weeks leading up to Christmas, it seems appropriate to reflect again on that moment of angelic visitation when Mary learned that she was about to become miraculously pregnant with the Son of God: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in […]
Our Judging Has to Stop
I’m very blessed to have two smart adult daughters. They sometimes make suggestions (or lovingly enlighten me about myself), and I figure that if I ever expect them to listen to my advice it’s only fair that I respect their wisdom too. When my older daughter Jessi recommended that […]
In Gratitude for Love Over Guilt
No question about it, 2017 has been the best year of my life. I have so much to be thankful for, including getting married to a dear man who is my partner in every way, moving back to scenic West Virginia into a vintage craftsman-style house-of-my-dreams located in a quaint […]
Some Resources for #metoo
This week’s #metoo campaign on social media has been a powerful and sad reminder of how many of us have experienced sexual abuse, assault, or harassment. If you missed it, the point was for women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted to write “Me too” as a Facebook status […]
Book Review: Love Big, Be Well
Hi Friends! I don’t usually post book reviews, but this is special because I am so proud of my dear friend and former pastor Winn Collier for this beautifully written volume: Love Big, Be Well: Letters to a Small-Town Church by Winn Collier My rating: 5 of 5 stars Reading […]
Never Stop Asking the Questions
While we were still reeling from the disturbingly open displays of racism in my beloved Charlottesville, hurricane season swept in like a vengeance with Harvey and Irma. Wildfires are ravaging exquisitely beautiful forests out West. Earthquakes rocked cities in Mexico. Add to these massive catastrophes the countless recent individual experiences […]
Can My Friends Recognize Jesus on My FB Feed?
Imagine a medical practice whose ads ran with this kind of content: “If your blood pressure is high, it’s your own fault. Just cut the sodium.” “Your smoking addiction offends me.” “Suffering from diabetes? What a jerk you are. If you cared about your family, you would just eat less […]